Indiana law recognizes several types of felony fraud, including counterfeiting, forgery and application fraud. Understanding the details of these offenses can inform your next steps if you face fraud charges.
Review the factors that affect criminal fraud proceedings in Indiana.
Types of fraud
Indiana refers to using a fake ID as application fraud when the person gives incorrect information or conceals facts on a driver’s license application. Forgery occurs when someone makes, has or uses a fake or invalid document for fraudulent purposes. A similar crime, counterfeiting, refers to making, using or distributing a false document, ID, value, symbol, label, token or seal. The offender knows the document is fake.
The state categorizes insurance fraud as a separate crime. You could receive this conviction for making false statements to your insurance company on a coverage application or claim for financial benefit.
Penalties for fraud
Indiana considers application fraud, forgery and counterfeiting “wobbler” crimes. That means the court can prosecute you for either a Class A misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony. However, you can receive the lesser misdemeanor charges only with no prior convictions for felony or wobbler crimes.
Misdemeanor fraud can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 12 months in jail in Indiana. Felony charges carry six to 30 months in prison along with a $10,000 fine.
Indiana considers insurance claim fraud a Level 5 felony when it results in financial loss of $2,500 or more. You could receive one to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. Fraud on an insurance application carries misdemeanor charges.